BrahMos, AK-203 From UP Giving Pakistan ‘Sleepless Nights’, Says Amit Shah

Uttar Pradesh's growing defence manufacturing capacities were brought to the fore by its Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday, who stated that the state-made BrahMos missiles were giving “sleepless nights” for Pakistan.

Shah made the remarks while inaugurating the fourth edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) in the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. He cited the increasing investment in Defence Industrial Corridor in the state as proof of its contribution to the country's defence production system.

Shah calls for defense manufacturing in UP

Investments were flowing into all six nodes of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) at Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Agra, Aligarh and Kanpur, Shah said.

The home minister said that the BrahMos facility at Lucknow was a testament of the change that was happening in Uttar Pradesh where the missiles are being produced.

He also referred to the production of AK-203 made at Amethi as an example of defence manufacturing in the state. The rifles were creating “sleepless nights” for Naxalites and terrorists, said Shah.

BrahMos Facility In Lucknow

In May 2025, the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre, Lucknow was inaugurated in the context of UP Defence Industrial Corridor.

The facility carries out the assembly, integration and testing of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The first batch of missiles manufactured at the Lucknow facility was flagged off in October 2025.

The centre was opened with a capital investment of around ₹ 3 crore on an area of almost 200 acres. The project is designed to enhance the capability of local defence industry, to promote ancillary industries and to provide skilled jobs.

Amit Shah Credits Economic Policies For Growth

Shah also discussed the economic performance of India in the backdrop of the global challenges and attributed the economic and trade policies of the Narendra Modi government for the enhancement of opportunities to Indian exporters.

He highlighted the Free Trade Agreements negotiated with some countries, which had enhanced export capability of industries in India.

The home minister added that the investments in the Defence Industrial Corridor were supporting Uttar Pradesh's industrial growth along with the development of India's defence manufacturing industry.

He also emphasised on One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative which was contributing to the generation of employment opportunities for the youth of Uttar Pradesh. Shah said the increase in the growth of industries in the region was decreasing the demand for young people to migrate to other states for employment.

Shah speaks about Law-And-Order situation in UP

The home minister also attributed the change in the law and order scenario in the state since the BJP assumed power in 2017 to the Uttar Pradesh government.

The improvement in law and order had helped create conditions favourable for investment, Shah said. He also tied India's political stability and policy continuity at the national level to its resolve to build a strong base as a global manufacturing power.

Shah says that Prime Minister Modi's government had maintained the same policies and added new ones on the basis of experience.

The event is presented for the first time by UP International Trade Show in 2026.

As Uttar Pradesh aims to make itself a manufacturing, investment and export hub, Shah's comments came at an opportune moment.

The UP International Trade Show 2026 is being organised from 25th to 29th September and is assembling the manufacturers, MSMEs, exporters, artisans, startups, investors and international buyers.

Additionally, more than 2,400 exhibitors and over 550 buyers from 85 countries are expected to be in attendance at the event.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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